| **Business Combinations Business Combination (Schedule of Business Combinations, Separately Recognized Transactions) (Details) (USD $)In Millions, unless otherwise specified** | 12 Months Ended                                                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                                                                                                                                            |                                                       |                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |
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| **Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]**                                                                                                       |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Goodwill                                                                                                                                                                        | $ 3,532us-gaap_Goodwill                                                                                                                                                                                               | $ 3,524us-gaap_Goodwill                                                                                                                                                    | $ 2,961us-gaap_Goodwill                               |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Net cash consideration                                                                                                                                                          | 147us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired                                                                                                                                                               | 292us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired                                                                                                                    | 0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Additions in noncontrolling ownership interests                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | 204us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination                                                                                                           |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| NeuroTherm, Inc. [Member]                                                                                                                                                       |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| **Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]**                                                                                                       |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Current assets                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  | 22us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssets/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_NeuroThermInc.Member                       |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Property, plant and equipment                                                                                                                                                   |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  | 2us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_NeuroThermInc.Member            |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Goodwill                                                                                                                                                                        |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  | 125us-gaap_Goodwill/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_NeuroThermInc.Member                                                                                                       |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Other intangible assets                                                                                                                                                         |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  | 89us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_NeuroThermInc.Member   |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Current liabilities                                                                                                                                                             |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  | (13)us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_NeuroThermInc.Member                |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Deferred income tax assets/(liabilities)                                                                                                                                        |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  | (28)us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_NeuroThermInc.Member  |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Long-term debt                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  | (50)us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_NeuroThermInc.Member |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Net assets                                                                                                                                                                      |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  | 147us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_NeuroThermInc.Member                        |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Cash paid                                                                                                                                                                       | 148us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_NeuroThermInc.Member                                                                                |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Less: Cash acquired                                                                                                                                                             | (1)us-gaap_CashAcquiredFromAcquisition/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_NeuroThermInc.Member                                                                                     |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Net cash consideration                                                                                                                                                          | 147us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_NeuroThermInc.Member                                                                    |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Endosense S.A. [Member]                                                                                                                                                         |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| **Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]**                                                                                                       |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Current assets                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 | 2us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssets/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_EndosenseS.A.Member                      |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Goodwill                                                                                                                                                                        |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 | 258us-gaap_Goodwill/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_EndosenseS.A.Member                                                                                                     |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Other intangible assets                                                                                                                                                         |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 | 20us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_EndosenseS.A.Member |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Current liabilities                                                                                                                                                             |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 | (11)us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_EndosenseS.A.Member              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Deferred income tax assets/(liabilities)                                                                                                                                        |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 | 0us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_EndosenseS.A.Member   |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Net assets                                                                                                                                                                      |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 | 303us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_EndosenseS.A.Member                      |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Cash paid                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | 180us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_EndosenseS.A.Member                                      |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Less: Cash acquired                                                                                                                                                             |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | (9)us-gaap_CashAcquiredFromAcquisition/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_EndosenseS.A.Member                                           |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Net cash consideration                                                                                                                                                          |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | 171us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_EndosenseS.A.Member                          |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                                                       |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 | 0us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_EndosenseS.A.Member                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| In-Process Research and Development                                                                                                                                             |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 | 33stj_InProcessResearchandDevelopment/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_EndosenseS.A.Member                                                                                   |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Other assets                                                                                                                                                                    |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 | 1us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_EndosenseS.A.Member              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Other liabilities                                                                                                                                                               |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 | 0us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesOther/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_EndosenseS.A.Member         |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Contingent consideration                                                                                                                                                        |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 | 132us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_EndosenseS.A.Member                                                          |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Fair value of St. Jude Medical, Inc.'s previously held interest                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | 0us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeFairValue1/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_EndosenseS.A.Member    |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Equity Security Ownership Interest And Allocated Value For Purchase Option                                                                                                      |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 | 0stj_EquitySecurityOwnershipInterestAndAllocatedValueForPurchaseOption/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_EndosenseS.A.Member                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Variable Interest Entity, Financial or Other Support, Amount                                                                                                                    |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | 0us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityFinancialOrOtherSupportAmount/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_EndosenseS.A.Member                     |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Additions in noncontrolling ownership interests                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | 0us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_EndosenseS.A.Member                   |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Nanostim [Member]                                                                                                                                                               |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| **Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]**                                                                                                       |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Current assets                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              | 1us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssets/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_NanostimMember                      |   |   |
| Goodwill                                                                                                                                                                        |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              | 149us-gaap_Goodwill/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_NanostimMember                                                                                                     |   |   |
| Other intangible assets                                                                                                                                                         |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              | 34us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_NanostimMember |   |   |
| Current liabilities                                                                                                                                                             |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              | (2)us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_NanostimMember               |   |   |
| Deferred income tax assets/(liabilities)                                                                                                                                        |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              | 0us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_NanostimMember   |   |   |
| Net assets                                                                                                                                                                      |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              | 210us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_NanostimMember                      |   |   |
| Cash paid                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | 124us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_NanostimMember                                           |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Less: Cash acquired                                                                                                                                                             |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | (3)us-gaap_CashAcquiredFromAcquisition/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_NanostimMember                                                |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Net cash consideration                                                                                                                                                          |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | 121us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_NanostimMember                               |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                                                       |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              | 0us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_NanostimMember                 |   |   |
| In-Process Research and Development                                                                                                                                             |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              | 27stj_InProcessResearchandDevelopment/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_NanostimMember                                                                                   |   |   |
| Other assets                                                                                                                                                                    |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              | 1us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_NanostimMember              |   |   |
| Other liabilities                                                                                                                                                               |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              | 0us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesOther/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_NanostimMember         |   |   |
| Contingent consideration                                                                                                                                                        |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              | 56us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_NanostimMember                                                           |   |   |
| Fair value of St. Jude Medical, Inc.'s previously held interest                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | 33us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeFairValue1/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_NanostimMember        |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Equity Security Ownership Interest And Allocated Value For Purchase Option                                                                                                      |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              | 0stj_EquitySecurityOwnershipInterestAndAllocatedValueForPurchaseOption/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_NanostimMember                                                  |   |   |
| Variable Interest Entity, Financial or Other Support, Amount                                                                                                                    |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | 0us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityFinancialOrOtherSupportAmount/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_NanostimMember                          |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Additions in noncontrolling ownership interests                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | 0us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_NanostimMember                        |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Spinal Modulation [Member]                                                                                                                                                      |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| **Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]**                                                                                                       |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Current assets                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         | 9us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssets/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_SpinalModulationMember |   |
| Goodwill                                                                                                                                                                        | 46us-gaap_Goodwill/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_SpinalModulationMember                                                                                                       |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         | 46us-gaap_Goodwill/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_SpinalModulationMember |   |
| Other intangible assets                                                                                                                                                         | 7us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_SpinalModulationMember   |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         | 7us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_SpinalModulationMember |   |
| Current liabilities                                                                                                                                                             | (5)us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_SpinalModulationMember                |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         | (6)us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_SpinalModulationMember |   |
| Deferred income tax assets/(liabilities)                                                                                                                                        | (19)us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_SpinalModulationMember |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         | (19)us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_SpinalModulationMember |   |
| Net assets                                                                                                                                                                      |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         | 124us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_SpinalModulationMember |   |
| Cash paid                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | 0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_SpinalModulationMember                                     |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Less: Cash acquired                                                                                                                                                             |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | 0us-gaap_CashAcquiredFromAcquisition/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_SpinalModulationMember                                          |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Net cash consideration                                                                                                                                                          |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | 0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_SpinalModulationMember                         |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                                                       | 9us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_SpinalModulationMember                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         | 41us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_SpinalModulationMember |   |
| In-Process Research and Development                                                                                                                                             | 45stj_InProcessResearchandDevelopment/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_SpinalModulationMember                                                                                    |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         | 45stj_InProcessResearchandDevelopment/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_SpinalModulationMember |   |
| Other assets                                                                                                                                                                    |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         | 1us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_SpinalModulationMember |   |
| Other liabilities                                                                                                                                                               |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         | 0us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesOther/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_SpinalModulationMember |   |
| Contingent consideration                                                                                                                                                        |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         | 0us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_SpinalModulationMember |   |
| Fair value of St. Jude Medical, Inc.'s previously held interest                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | 0us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeFairValue1/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_SpinalModulationMember |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Equity Security Ownership Interest And Allocated Value For Purchase Option                                                                                                      |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         | 40stj_EquitySecurityOwnershipInterestAndAllocatedValueForPurchaseOption/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_SpinalModulationMember |   |
| Variable Interest Entity, Financial or Other Support, Amount                                                                                                                    | 15us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityFinancialOrOtherSupportAmount/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_SpinalModulationMember                                                            | 0us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityFinancialOrOtherSupportAmount/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_SpinalModulationMember                  |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Additions in noncontrolling ownership interests                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | 84us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_SpinalModulationMember               |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| CardioMEMS, Inc [Member]                                                                                                                                                        |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| **Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]**                                                                                                       |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Current assets                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   | 3us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssets/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_CardioMEMSIncMember |
| Goodwill                                                                                                                                                                        |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   | 83us-gaap_Goodwill/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_CardioMEMSIncMember |
| Other intangible assets                                                                                                                                                         |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   | 0us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_CardioMEMSIncMember |
| Current liabilities                                                                                                                                                             |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   | (13)us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_CardioMEMSIncMember |
| Deferred income tax assets/(liabilities)                                                                                                                                        |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   | (23)us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_CardioMEMSIncMember |
| Net assets                                                                                                                                                                      |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   | 143us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_CardioMEMSIncMember |
| Cash paid                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | 0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_CardioMEMSIncMember                                        |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Less: Cash acquired                                                                                                                                                             |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | 0us-gaap_CashAcquiredFromAcquisition/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_CardioMEMSIncMember                                             |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Net cash consideration                                                                                                                                                          |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | 0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_CardioMEMSIncMember                            |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                                                       |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   | 33us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_CardioMEMSIncMember |
| In-Process Research and Development                                                                                                                                             |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   | 63stj_InProcessResearchandDevelopment/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_CardioMEMSIncMember |
| Other assets                                                                                                                                                                    |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   | 2us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_CardioMEMSIncMember |
| Other liabilities                                                                                                                                                               |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   | (5)us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesOther/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_CardioMEMSIncMember |
| Contingent consideration                                                                                                                                                        |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   | 0us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_CardioMEMSIncMember |
| Fair value of St. Jude Medical, Inc.'s previously held interest                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | 31us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeFairValue1/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_CardioMEMSIncMember   |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Equity Security Ownership Interest And Allocated Value For Purchase Option                                                                                                      |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   | 0stj_EquitySecurityOwnershipInterestAndAllocatedValueForPurchaseOption/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_CardioMEMSIncMember |
| Variable Interest Entity, Financial or Other Support, Amount                                                                                                                    |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | 28us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityFinancialOrOtherSupportAmount/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_CardioMEMSIncMember                    |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |
| Additions in noncontrolling ownership interests                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | $ 84us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis= stj_CardioMEMSIncMember                |                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |

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In-Process Research and Development
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| - Definition
Amount of liability recognized arising from contingent consideration in a business combination.
+ References
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|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
Amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions, acquired at the acquisition date. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates.
+ References
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| - Definition
Amount of assets that are expected to be realized or consumed within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, acquired at the acquisition date.
+ References
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| - Definition
Amount of liabilities due within one year or within the normal operating cycle, if longer, assumed at the acquisition date.
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| - Definition
Amount of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary differences due after one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, assumed at the acquisition date.
+ References
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| - Definition
Amount of intangible assets, excluding goodwill, acquired at the acquisition date.
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| - Definition
Amount of long-term debt due after one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, assumed at the acquisition date.
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| - Definition
Amount of other liabilities due after one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, assumed at the acquisition date.
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| - Definition
Amount of other assets expected to be realized or consumed after one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, acquired at the acquisition date.
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| - Definition
The amount of property, plant, and equipment recognized as of the acquisition date.
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| - Definition
Amount recognized for assets, including goodwill, in excess of (less than) the aggregate liabilities assumed.
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| - Definition
Fair value at acquisition-date of the equity interest in the acquiree held by the acquirer, immediately before the acquisition date for businesses combined in stages.
+ References
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| - Definition
The cash inflow associated with the acquisition of business during the period (for example, cash that was held by the acquired business).
+ References
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| - Definition
Amount after accumulated impairment loss of an asset representing future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized.
+ References
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| - Definition
Increase in noncontrolling interest balance because of a business combination that occurred during the period.
+ References
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| - Definition
The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of business during the period. The cash portion only of the acquisition price.
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| - Definition
The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of a business, net of the cash acquired from the purchase.
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| - Definition
The amount of financial or other support the reporting entity has provided (explicitly or implicitly) to the Variable Interest Entity (VIE) that it was not previously contractually required to provide or that the reporting entity intends to provide, including, for example, situations in which the reporting entity assisted the VIE in obtaining another type of support.
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